After Nigeria’s basketball team was banned for two years by the Federal Government, the ministry of sports issued a comprehensive press release.
The whole statement is below.
Basketball-related developments in Nigeria
The following are the most important occurrences that have transpired since the Presidential approval to exclude Nigeria from international basketball contests for two years:
- In order to find answers to the problems that led to the decision, concerned parties, former Nigerian international basketball players, and well-meaning Nigerians intervened.
- A commitment by both FIBA and Nigeria to explore and work together on improving relationships, developing basketball, and reaffirming mutual respect for the laws and constitution of Nigeria as a sovereign state, as well as FIBA, was made at the end of the video conference meeting between the top FIBA hierarchy and the Minister of Youth and Sports.
3. On June 17, 2022, the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, received an appeal letter from Musa Kida, which was sent by the NBBF Board. The letter of appeal, among other things, apologized to the President and the Minister for the embarrassment Nigeria has endured due to basketball-related incidents and the conduct of some individuals. The letter asked the Minister to look for President Buhari using his good offices in order to lift Nigeria’s two-year ban from international basketball competitions. The appeal letter also included some important commitments, such as the following: to promptly begin the process of reviewing statutes or amending the constitution based on input gathered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; to assemble a powerful team to mediate disputes between all the competing parties in the basketball family both domestically and internationally; and to collaborate with the Ministry in the governance and advancement of basketball, among other things. Above all, this was made feasible by NBBF’s adherence to the relevant concerns.
After reviewing the aforementioned, the FMYSD went to the President and presented these developments to him. President Muhammadu Buhari, who is dedicated to the development of young people and wants to make sure that they have access to all opportunities in sports and other activities, viewed the request and
Since NBBF has now committed to resolving the issues that initially led to the withdrawal, it has approved Nigeria’s return to international basketball immediately, out of a strong sense of national interest, love for our youth, and a desire to prevent basketball development from being put on hold for an extended period of time.
The warning that Nigerian laws cannot be subordinated to any other law and that all Nigerian entities must adhere to Nigerian laws and authorities overseeing different sectors is noteworthy in obtaining this clearance. As with any sovereign country governed by a constitution, failure to comply will result in penalties. Prior to any group or federation using the Nigerian name, colors, and flag to represent Nigeria, there was a country.
Second, under the direct supervision of the Minister of Youth and Sports, all individuals in charge of government agencies, including our federations in this instance, hold these positions in trust for the Nigerian government and people. The President’s reversal was largely based on his directive to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to guarantee the NBBF’s promises are implemented as quickly as possible. Mr. President is to receive progress reports from the Ministry.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Abuja, Ismaila Abubakar. June 23, 2022
